A one year retrospective study of snake bite cases admitted in a tertiary care hospital of western maharashtra

A one year retrospective study of snake bite cases admitted in a tertiary care hospital of western maharashtra. Original Article Aim: To determine the demographic characteristics & determinants of the outcome of Snake bite cases. METHODOLOGY: A Hospital record based retrospective study (Dec. 2010 to Nov.2011) was carried out & information regarding demographic characteristics & determinants of outcome of Snake bite cases were entered in a pre-structured proforma. The data was analyzed using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: During the one year study period, 146 cases of snake bite were hospitalized. 65 % were Males & 35% Females. 16 – 45 year age group accounted for 61.64% of cases. Majority of cases were from rural area (78%). 37.6% cases occurred during July to September (rainy season). Lower limb was the most common site of bite (52%). 106(72.6%) cases were due to non poisonous snake bites & 40 (27.4%) were due to poisonous snake bites (Vasculotoxic 22.6% & Neurotoxic 4.8%). Cellulitis (84.4%) was the most common complication followed by acute renal failure (6.25%) & respiratory paralysis (6.25%). Out of 40 poisonous snake bite cases only 3 died (1 Vasculotoxic & 2 Neurotoxic).Time lapse has a significant role on the outcome of the patients. Most of the patients were hospitalized for 1-4 Days. CONCLUSION: Snake bites are common in rural population of developing countries. There is need to educate the people about the hazards of Snake Bite, early Hospital referral & treatment.